Acute Renal Failure

Acute Renal Failure is a condition that develops when the kidneys lose their ability to filter out wastes, excess fluids and salts from the blood stream relatively suddenly. Eliminating these wastes forms the basic core of the kidney’s functioning. When this happens, the bodily fluids and other waste products start to accumulate and may reach alarming levels. As a result of this condition, the body’s electrolyte levels can go awry, thus posing a potential life threatening situation for the patient.

Also called ‘acute kidney injury’, this condition mostly affects patients who have been admitted in hospitals and nursing homes for an extended period of time. It might take several weeks or even months for this condition to manifest. However, in a few cases, acute kidney failure can also happen over a matter of a few hours. Acute renal failure or AKI is usually seen in patients with diarrohea, severe vomiting, dehydration, Related to pain killers or other drugs.

Critically ill patients or people who require intensive critical care are at the maximum risk of developing this condition. The goal in such situations is to act urgently so as to preserve the kidney function.

Risk Factors of Acute Renal Failure

  • Underlying Kidney disease or heart failure
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • High BP
  • Severe dehydration
  • Use of pain killers or alternative medicines or unverified food supplements
  • Morbid obesity

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Renal Failure

  • Foul odor in breath
  • Tremors of the hands
  • Easy bruising
  • Ankle or leg swelling
  • Chest pain
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue and nausea
  • High BP
  • Seizures
  • Reduced appetite

Tips To Manage Acute Renal Failure

  • Maintain adequate hydration and excessive unaccustomed exercise
  • Avoid Painkillers and unverified food supplements
  • Blood pressure and diabetes control
  • Get General Check up: You can prevent yourself from this disease by regularly getting a general medical check up done, including your urine and blood workup . If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Nephrologist